Wayne Boatwright wrote:

> On Sun 04 Sep 2005 05:01:05a, Andy wrote in rec.food.cooking:
>
>> I finally bought a slow cooker. It's a 7-qt cooker, the All-Clad sold
>> at Williams-Sonoma.
>
> As slow cookers go, you could probably have done just as well with a
> Rival for a whole bunch less.

I know. I went to Target and saw some Rivals and others but the housings
were cheap-o plastics and flimsy. As hot as my cooker got, I pictured
them melting.



>> In the instructions it says do not slow cook a whole chicken because
>> the temperature doesn't get hot enough. The unit is rated at 330W but
>> nowhere does it mention what the HI and LOW temps really are. Is this
>> typical, not cooking whole chickens?
>
> Oh, pshaw! Most slow cookers are rated low in wattage and most folks
> cook whole chickens in them. Someone probably knows, but I've never
> actually seen temps listed for the HI and LOW settings. I suspect
> that the LOW setting maintains just around simmering.

I'll try a small chicken and get some temp readings at some point. I
don't know how it'll look when finished. My oven roasted birds always
look great!



>> Now I can try all those great slow cooker recipes! Just need an army
>> to feed. It's a big pup!
>
> You don't have to fill it, but I would recommend filling it at least
> half way for best results.

I never cooked enough to freeze stuff but now it's a great idea.



> Have fun!

Thanks for the advice and the funny sig!

Andy